ACW 3 September 18

The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 997

3 September 2018

Airfreight - as seen on TV

ULTIMATE

Page 12

INSIDE industry slams brexit advice

british businesses still need detailed information to ensure they can continue trading after Brexit, the Freight Transport Association has warned ... page 4

car-go machine

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ufthansa Cargo and BMW are teaming up to show off the car manufacturer’s Vision iNext vehicle (pictured) to the world.

More than 300 international media representatives will board Lufthansa Cargo’s Boeing 777 Freighter to experience the vision vehicle from BMW, which is the company’s vision of future mobility.

Teams from Lufthansa Cargo and BMW have worked together to turn the vehicle and technology presentation from idea into reality, with guests being introduced to the vehicle and given a preview of the BMW Group’s future as part of an exclusive closed room concept specially conceived and designed for the occasion.

Preparations involve laying more than 7.5 kilometres of wiring, while 78,000 LEDs in 165 video LED modules and 10 13,000 ANSI lumen

iPads boost delta e-awb rates

delta has launched self-service iPad kiosks in Atlanta and Boston, requiring electronic air waybills as standard operating procedure ... page 5

projectors will light up a show inside the 777F. More than 120 exhibition stand construction specialists, as well as experts from Lufthansa Cargo and BMW have played their part in making the project happen.

Around 30 tonnes of material will be used to construct a suitable platform to showcase the BMW Vision iNext, providing engineers and specialists the challenge of not only staging the presentation but also ensuring their creation will literally take off.

Timing will be tight, as the 777F will need to switch between presentation mode and flight mode and back quickly and securely.

The first guests will arrive eight hours after the aircraft lands, and just four hours after the final presentation has finished at one venue, the aircraft will take off for its next destination.

Lufthansa Cargo chairman and chief executive officer, Peter Gerber says: “Visionary products deserve visionary presentations. We are delighted to have made this extraordinary world premiere possible in cooperation with BMW.” BMW member of the management board responsible for development, Klaus Frohlich says: “iNEXT is our mobility proposition for the future, so

it’s only logical that the BMW Vision iNEXT should be presented to a global audience in a fresh new style. The World Flight is a fitting way to get the ball rolling.”

The aircraft will receive a special livery when it takes off from Munich Airport on 9 September, and after calling in at New York, San Francisco and Beijing, the 777F will touch down in Frankfurt on 14 September.

wca moves into second phase

wca makes no secret of the toughness of its entry requirements. Adam McKenna says “We actually reject more companies than we accept.” ... page 6

born postpones departure

eric Born and HNA Group have agreed to extend Born’s contract as president and chief executive officer of Swissport until 31 December 2019 ... page 9

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NEWSWEEK

Air Niugini lets customers pick up cargo in Lae

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ir Niugini and Express Freight Management (EFM) will allow pick up and delivery of all cargo destined for Lae in the city instead of Nadzab Airport.

Under the agreement starting on 1 September, Air Niugini Cargo will be assisting businesses and the public of Morobe Province, mainly Lae City with a split rates system using the code of Lae to unload all cargo at Nadzab.

The cargo will then be picked up by EFM and delivered to a designated point of collection in Lae, which is EFM’s hardware house for customers to pick up.

EFM’s managing director, Robert Howden says the service will be convenient for customers, as they will not have to drive to Nadzab Airport, which is about 45 minutes outside Papua New Guinea’s second city.

Howden says: “This new initiative will see a new Lae City destination added so that clients are able to nominate Lae for all deliveries rather than driving all the way to Nazab airport to pick up their cargo.

“We will pick up cargo from Nadzab airport and deliver to the EFM warehouse in Lae, Malaita Street, which is located in the hub of the commercial and industrial centre of Lae.” Air Niugini Cargo general manager, Gus Kraus says it has been

a long time since Lae was recognised as an airfreight destination, saying: “This will greatly assist businesses and the public as well as the government institutions and hopefully grow the Lae business market, while ensuring convenience also for the everyday person to pick up cargo or consign to Lae City instead of Nadzab airport.”

Nepal Airlines signs ULD deal with Unilode

Nepal’s flag carrier, Nepal Airlines has signed a deal with Unilode Aviation Solutions to supply and manage unit load devices for the next five years.

Unilode will supply pallets and new lightweight containers for Nepal Airlines’ two Airbus A330-200s, which are being added to the fleet to serve its growing international network.

Nepal Airlines chief executive officer,

Sugat Ratna Kansakar says: “Nepal Airlines launched a tender to meet the needs for ULD supply and management for our widebody aircraft and have decided to work with the experts in the field as our partnership with Unilode will provide us with immediate cost savings and guaranteed asset availability from day one of our operation.”

Unilode CEO, Benoit Dumont says: “As Unilode intensifies its business development efforts in Asia, we are pleased to add Nepal Airlines to our growing network in the region which will further increase ULD pooling synergies and improve asset utilisation.

We are committed to support the fleet growth and network expansion of our customers and add more assets as needed to our ULD fleet and welcome Nepal Airlines to our ever-growing customer base”

ACW REWIND 500 In the latest flashback to our 500th issue, Air Charter Service delivered aid to people affected by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the first half of 2018, revenue at ACS increased 23 per cent to £240 million, and cargo flights were up 21 per cent.

ACS handles Congo aid delivery Vol 11, Issue 47 24 November 2008

uk-based Air Charter Service (ACS) was recently one of the first air charter brokers to get flights into Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, carrying 88 tonnes of emergency aid to 250,000 people who had fled their homes to avoid violent clashes between rebel forces and the government.

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The fastest solution was to use two IL76s to send bulk shipments of emergency goods from the UAE’s Fujairah International airport to Entebbe for transfer to an aircraft capable of landing at Goma airport.

An L-100 Hercules was used, as ACS could obtain permits quickly for the aircraft, which then operated six rotations between Entebbe and Goma, ensuring that the aid was delivered in the quickest possible time.

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NEWS Industry slams Brexit advice

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ritish businesses still need detailed information to ensure they can continue trading after Brexit, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has warned.

Commenting on 23 August after Brexit secretary Dominic Raab delivered what he described as “practical and proportionate” advice for what will happen in the case of no-deal when Britain leaves the European Union on 29 March 2019, the FTA says that while the paper provides some “welcome advice”, more information is needed.

The association says logistics businesses need workable solutions, more than just damage control to keep Britain trading.

FTA European policy manager, Sarah Laouadi says “no deal would be disastrous for logistics” and that while preparing for eventualities including no deal is a “sound strategy”, it should not be the “end game which negotiators accept”.

She says: “There are clear problems which could face our supply chain if agreements cannot be reached including customs and border arrangements, the continuity of trade

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agreements and vehicle permits, as well as the continuation of business access to EU workers.”

Laoudi describes the supply chain as the “blood in the veins of the UK’s economy”, keeping schools, hospitals and businesses stocked, shop shelves full and retailers provided with the goods they need.

She says: “Without quick progress on the key elements that FTA has outlined, the resulting disruption could have disastrous impacts for British and EU business. A no-deal agreement should only be considered once every opportunity to reach a deal has been explored.

Negotiators on both sides need to keep working to ensure that Britain and the EU keep on trading, day in, day out.”

The UK government has released 25 documents covering industries, with businesses trading with the EU being advised to start planning for new customs checks, and they may need to pay for new software or logistical help.

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) was much harsher, with director general Robert Keen blasting the “patronising” advice, saying freight forwarders are already aware of the issues surrounding trade with the EU. Keen questioned how the industry will cope with the increase in customs declarations, source the staff to process the entries on an unproven computer system, how HMRC will find and train enough staff and whether customers will accept the increase in costs.

He says: “BIFA has already been vocal on our concerns about the capacity and readiness of UK customs systems and port infrastructure to cope with that outcome.”

Growth continues to slow in July Airfreight growth has slowed to the lowest pace since May 2016, well below the fiveyear average growth rate, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports.

In July, demand rose 2.1 per cent year-onyear, with IATA commenting that the temporary grounding of Nippon Cargo Airlines’ fleet possibility exaggerating the slowdown in growth.

The association says the three factors indicating slower growth will continue were the inventory re-stocking cycle requiring quick delivery to meet customer needs ended at the beginning of the year; weaker export order books particularly in Europe from February, and China and Japan also falling; and longer supplier delivery times for manufacturers in Asia and Europe indicating less need for the speed of airfreight.

IATA director general and chief executive officer, Alexandre de Juniac (pictured) says: “July demand for air cargo grew at its slow-

est pace since 2016. We still expect four per cent growth over the course of the year, however the downside risk has increased.

“The tariff war and increasingly volatile trade talks between the world’s two largest trading nations – China and the US – are rippling across the global economy putting a drag on both business and investor sentiment. Trade wars only produce losers.”

Freight capacity is also increasing faster than demand, growing 3.8 per cent in July, marking the fourth time in five months that capacity growth outstripped demand.

Political rhetoric fails to dampen Asia

Political rhetoric has failed to dampen consumer confidence in Asia Pacific with cargo demand increasing five per cent in July, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) says.

Freight tonne kilometres (FTK) were up five per cent in July to 6.3 billion, while capacity increased by 5.9 per cent, with load factors going down 0.5 percentage points to 64.4 per cent.

Looking ahead, AAPA director general,

Andrew Herdman says: “For the upcoming months, the global economic outlook remains positive, despite some concern that uncertainties over future trade policy could undermine business confidence internationally.

“On a more positive note, both the United States and China have announced expansionary fiscal measures, which should stimulate domestic demand in the advanced and emerging market economies, and hopefully mitigate any adverse impact from new tariff barriers.”

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NEWS

MVD-BRU pharma flights

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ATAM Cargo, MVD Free Airport (pictured) and Brussels Airport have worked together to launch a GDP-compliant route between the Belgian capital and Montevideo.

Following the need to service the growing needs of a burgeoning regional distribution centre for pharmaceutical products in Montevideo, Uruguay, LATAM Cargo is increasing its global reach adding a new destination. The new BRU-MVD route will start in September 2018. It is designed to meet demand of global pharmaceutical companies seeking to optimise entry to South America via Uruguay.

MVD Free Airport managing director Bruno Guella says: “The market is increasingly asking for this solution. We are in touch with dozens of shippers that consider MVD Free Airport for their regional distribution given its multimodal capabilities, the possibility to reach large markets quicker and more cost-efficiently as well as

to manage their stock more efficiently, performing several late customisation activities from a GDP-compliant, state-of-the-art infrastructure.”

Brussels Airport cargo and product development manager and chairman of Pharma.Aero Nathan De Valck, says: “It is very satisfying for Brussels Airport to be the outbound gateway for this initiative, and for Pharma.Aero to have helped in connecting some of the key players in its development.”

iPads boost e-AWB rates for Delta Delta Cargo has launched self-service iPad kiosks in Atlanta and Boston, requiring electronic air waybills (e-AWB) as standard operating procedure.

The implementation supports Delta Cargo and the International Air Transport Association’s efforts to move from paper air waybills to e-AWB and provide customers with a streamlined digital experience to book all US domestic product shipments.

Kiosks were first tested in Atlanta at all shipment acceptance counters, Delta Cargo has recorded a 94 per cent increase from paper to e-AWB bookings for US domestic shipments since the start of the trial.

Following customer feedback, these kiosks have been rolled out in Boston and will shortly be available in New York JFK and Seattle.

Delta Cargo managing director commercial, Lindsey Jalil says: “The introduction of Delta Cargo’s self-service experience con-

tributes to a more environmentally friendly and simple booking process, while also providing expedited service to customers.

“With initiatives such as this we are working towards our goal of achieving 100 per cent e-AWB penetration in the United States by the end of the year and internationally in 2019.”

Delta has an e-AWB penetration rate of 81 per cent, above IATA’s target for 2018, which is 68 per cent.

Taking the medicine, thanks to a drone

US telecomms business AT&T is taking part in a proof of concept with Softbox to test connected medical payloads carried by drones. The goal is to successfully and safely deliver temperature-sensitive medicines using drones.

An LTE-connected drone carrying Softbox’s thermal-insulated packaging system “Skypod,” which includes a smartbox powered by AT&T’s Internet of Things (IoT) technology, successfully completed demonstration flights. The field trial with Merck, the pharmaceutical company, took place in locations across Puerto Rico. Softbox, based in the UK, provides specialist temperature control packaging to the pharmaceutical industry.

“Merck is pleased to collaborate on this innovative new model for delivering medicines to patients in areas affected by natural disasters,” said Merck executive director, corporate responsibility Brenda Colatrella. “We’re proud of our long history of expanding access to our medicines and vaccines and collaborating to provide humanitarian assistance. The drone test flights give us hope that we will be able to provide a reliable supply of our medicines for disaster.”

AT&T’s IoT technology tracks the Skypod with data viewed on a web and mobile app dashboard. The data includes near-real time external and internal temperatures of the box and its location. Light exposure data helps signal if there is box tampering during daylight, by determining if the box is open or closed.

The dashboard app will flash alerts to help drive appropriate action. For example, it will send an alert if there is a change to the temperature range of 2°C to 8°C. It will also send an alert if the drone goes outside of defined geofencing parameters.

AT&T and Softbox have adapted the Skypod from a connected flask prototype developed in the AT&T Foundry, which they showcased earlier this year. The AT&T Foundry is a network of innovation centres that collaborates with startups, technology providers and enterprises to move ideas to market faster through rapid prototyping. It moved the IoT sensors that track temperature and location from the lid of the original prototype and fit them into the smartbox.

“We’re proud to be working with AT&T in this dynamic, industry-first trial. The connected Skypod could be rapidly deployed globally in times of humanitarian disaster relief,” said Softbox technical director Richard Wood.

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pharmaceuticals

WCA Pharma moves into second phase

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CA Pharma, part of the world’s largest network of independent freight forwarders, makes no secret of the toughness of its entry requirements. Manchester, UK-based Adam McKenna, general manager of WCA Pharma is adamant: “We have very strict criteria for membership. We actually reject more companies than we accept.”

A demonstration of the importance of pharma activity to the wider WCA family is that it is not organised regionally like the wider association but in McKenna has a dedicated general manager with a worldwide remit.

The network is the only fully validated pharmaceutical and life sciences network, offering the only fully GDP-trained and GDP-certified pharmaceutical and life sciences network Presently WCA Pharma has 125 members.

They are described as “the leading independent forwarders in the world, who operate to the highest GDP standards and have the experience, know-how and expertise to handle pharmaceutical products.”

Members move products and offer a complete temperature range, from frozen, chilled, heated and controlled, says McKenna.

The WCA Pharma group is maturing, with its first phase of growth concluded. McKenna says: “We were formed as there was a need for a true pharma network.”

The first phase saw 70 member companies rigorously examined before acceptance. There were strict criteria related to GDP standards and validation.

The care with which members are selected continues during their membership, says McKenna.

McKenna “We check members’ validations every three months,” he says. Reasons for questions about the validity of a certification could include the departure of an individual responsible for that certification and what steps are being taken to replace them or resolve the certification issue.

McKenna explains that with four examinations a year, WCA Pharma has little tolerance of members that fall short of its standards.

“We are not afraid to lose members,” he says.

The second phase of growth of WCA Pharma

may see the future development of a virtual WCA Pharma academy. This could be staged as breakout events at WCA Pharma conferences.

This comes at a time when McKenna is excited at the prospects for blockchain and its application in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

“I am a huge fan of transparency in the supply chain,” he says. “Let’s be transparent!”

He is excited the prospect of a “true” platform that can be developed for members to have total visibility in their operations.

RAPid network growth at Envirotainer Envirotainer is increasing its RAP e2 network in the Americas by adding Toronto, Canada (YYZ).

Toronto is the ninth station in the Americas carrying the flagship RAP e2 solution as part of Envirotainer’s strategy to enhance its heating/cooling capabilities to meet the increasing demand for secure shipments of pharmaceuticals requiring temperature control.

“The Canadian market is growing for us.

Adding Toronto to the growing list of RAP e2 stations boosts our ability to support our Partners with a secure and cost-efficient solution” said Envirotainer head of sales Americas Brian Cooper.

He continues, “We have conducted more than 22,000 real life pharmaceutical shipments with our RAP e2 so it is a truly proven and robust solution, especially well-suited for markets like Canada where there are great differences in temperature during the year.”

Recognising the need for secure temperature controlled airfreight solutions, Envirotainer has been expanding its sales offering in the Americas over the past decade, investing in both service capabilities and an

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agile network model.

“This is an exciting time and a much thought out plan in supporting our customers who ship to and from Canada. It made logical sense to open an RAP e2 station in Canada to support this much needed capacity for our customers shipping temperature controlled pharmaceuticals,” says Envirotainer strategic account manager Karen Harbour.

“All in all, this is our fifth RAP e2 station opening in less than 15 months in the region,” explains Envirotainer Ernest Murphy, head of operations Americas Ernest Murphy.

“We now have 9 RAP e2 stations in the Americas. The other RAP e2 stations are located in New York, Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas/ Fort Worth, San Francisco, San Juan, Atlanta and Los Angeles.”

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pharmaceuticals

Panalpina Bogota certified to GDP standards

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analpina Bogota has been certified to World Health Organization (WHO) Good Distribution Practice (GDP), the company’s 31st location to obtain the standard for distribution of medical products for human use.

The unit in Colombia’s capital completed a two-day audit by inspection, verification, testing and certification company SGS. Colombia is Latin America’s fourth largest pharmaceutical market after Brazil, Mexico and Panama, with most major international pharmaceutical companies doing business in the country.

Among the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in terms of revenue, there are also a handful of Colombian players with domestic production, mainly of generic medicinal products, with 82 per cent of Colombian pharmaceutical imports and 47 per cent of exports travelling through Bogota.

Panalpina managing director for Colombia, Angelo Dotto says: “We are proud about this achievement, and this is great news for our healthcare customers who demand strict quality and temperature control measures in the supply chain to ensure the safety and integrity of their products.”

Panalpina entered the Colombian market in 1962 and has its head office in Bogota, with offices in Medellin, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla and Pereira, as well as an agent office in Buenaventura.

The company offers pharma companies with international air and ocean freight as well as value-added logistics services, with Dotto commenting: “We see great growth potential in this business area, considering that the growth rate of this industry in Colombia is five per cent per year.”

CEIV for LUG in Frankfurt

LUG aircargo handling has received IATA CEIV Pharma certification at its Health Care Center (HCC), which it is continuing to expand.

The HCC in the CargoCity South at Frankfurt Airport was modernised in 2017, and expanded the temperature-controlled area to 625 square metres. Due to rising demand the company has started construction of an additional 190 square metre expansion, which is planned to go into operation by the end of 2018.

The pharmaceutical handling procedures and infrastructure have been certified according to the International Air Transport Association Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (IATA CEIV Pharma) standard.

IATA area manager central Europe, Mathias Jakobi (pictured second left) says: “We are delighted that, as a key member of the Air Cargo Community Frankfurt, LUG aircargo handling has completed this process. After successfully undergoing a strict assessment based on national and international standards, in particular IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations, and GDP best practices, we are recognising LUG as CEIV Pharma certified.”

He adds: “This important certification demonstrates the commitment and expertise of LUG in handling sensitive and high value pharma shipments according to international industry standards. It also strengthens the position of Frankfurt airport as one of the leading pharma gateways worldwide.”

LUG aircargo handling senior project manager and manager HCC, Dominic Misskampf (pictured second right) says: “Throughout the whole development process the IATA CEIV Standard has given us a clear guideline to provide our clients with the services that sensitive products require. We are very proud that our efforts to offer high-quality services have been rewarded.”

Different rooms offer temperature ranges between <-18C, 2-8C and 15-25C, with capacity being adjusted to operational needs.

A dedicated team, a comprehensive temperature monitoring and recording as well as an alarm system guarantee customers a transparent, qualified air cargo supply chain for pharmaceutical products.

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european cargo

Heathrow gains flights to Chongqing

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eathrow Airport is continuing to gain links to China with services to Chongqing, the airport’s 10th direct connection to the country.

The thrice-weekly service is operated by Tianjin Airlines on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays using an Airbus A330-200 offering 3,744 tonnes of cargo capacity for imports and exports per year.

Chongqing is the most populous Chinese municipality and is part of the West Triangle Economic Zone, which includes Chengdu and Xi’an, contributing to nearly 40 per cent of Western China’s GDP. Heathrow chief commercial officer, Ross Baker says the airport is pleased to welcome its 10th direct connection to China, saying: “Heathrow is proud of its role as the UK’s Hub airport and biggest gateway for Chinese

passengers and cargo going between our two countries.”

He adds: “But we have much further to go, and now that Parliament has voted unequivocally in favour of Heathrow expansion we will ensure London, and the UK, become the destination of choice for Chinese trade, tourism, and investment.”

Cargo volumes to and from China from Heathrow increased more than 10 per cent to 137,000 tonnes, but the airport is still missing out on connections to important Chinese cities.

This year, Heathrow has gained links to Wuhan, Sanya, Changsha, Xi’an and now Chongqing, but does not have links to Chengdu, Hangzhou, Kunming, Nanjing, Shenyang, Tianjin, Urumqi and Xiamen, which are all served by rival European airports.

Rollinson takes over Dachser UK Mark Rollinson is taking over as managing director of Dachser UK, succeeding Nick Lowe who is taking early retirement at the end of September.

Rollinson has held senior director positions at Schenker and Allport Cargo Services, and began a three-month induction and handover process on 2 July.

He says he is “delighted” to be joining Dachser, saying: “I do see an enormous potential for further growth and the introduction and implementation of an ever wider range of logistics services in the future.”

Lowe has overseen Dachser’s expansion in the UK since 2001, and he says: “Despite some challenging external economic conditions from time to time, we have continually increased our market share and delivered some great solutions for our customers.”

Dachser UK increased its annual sales turnover in 2017 by over 15 per cent to £76 million, with strong growth in particular in European road freight, contract logistics and value added services.

Lowe and Rollinson both agree that Brexit could initially create short-term supply chain disruption depending on what happens over

Rollinson the next few months but will present new opportunities for Dachser to embrace.

Rollinson says: “Irrespective of the prevailing trade, economic and political contexts we may be faced with, we will continue to support and add value to our customers’ supply chains. At the same time, we will maintain the high levels of service reliability and quality that our customers have come to expect.”

West Atlantic has the money to grow

Swedish cargo airline West Atlantic has a new facility of up to 75 milion krona ($8.3 million) to support an injection of working capital. This money will help the carrier improve its financial position in support of continued growth.

In April, West Atlantic took delivery of the world’s first B737-800BCF Next Generation freighter. The aircraft is the first of four supplied

by GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). Its

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delivery was concluded with a handover ceremony from Boeing at East Midlands Airport.

The aircraft will operate in the Group’s European network and will be placed on a long-term contract during the third quarter of 2018.

West Atlantic AB, through its two airlines, Atlantic Airlines and West Air Sweden, operates a portfolio of 40 aircraft and is Europe’s largest regional cargo aircraft operator.

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european cargo

Safe and secure in Birmingham Born postpones departure

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he Birmingham Service Centre of DHL Express in the UK has become the 300th facility worldwide to be awarded with the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) security certification.

This independent recognition confirms that DHL Express has implemented the highest security standards for transporting shipments through the supply chain. This “milestone” for the DHL Express global network demonstrates the company’s commitment and tireless efforts to meet the highest TAPA Freight Security Requirements (FSR) worldwide.

DHL Express head of global security Adrian Whelan says: “Operating in more than 220 countries and territories, DHL Express is the most international company in the world and security has always been a top priority for us.

Although we always had our own internal security standards for many years, we are convinced that it is important to have security standards independently verified and certified, mainly for our customers, so that they know their valuable shipments are in safe hands. Since certifying the first facility, which was Penang Gateway in Malaysia in 2001, we are now very proud to complete the certification of the 300th facility.

Security is not a nice to have, it is a must have!”

The internationally-recognised TAPA certification is one of the most rigorous logistics and supply chain security certifications. This independently audited certification is widely respected as the leading security standard in this sector, and focuses on the way in which high-value goods are handled, warehoused and transported. As the global leading logistics pro-

vider DHL Express ensures that its processes and services provide the highest standards possible in the industry.

DHL Express UK CEO Ian Wilson says: “We are proud to receive the Level “A” certification for Birmingham and especially with this being the 300th TAPA-certified facility. We are working in such a fast-moving and dynamic operational environment, that the highest level of security is absolutely paramount to the company’s success.

That is why DHL Express has adopted TAPA’s FSR at the heart of its global security strategy.

We view security as a competitive advantage and our customers tell us that the security is critically important to them. With state of the art access control, CCTV and alarm systems, the Birmingham facility meets the highest levels of security specifications.

Ian Wilson concludes: “Our customers want and deserve the highest level of security. We are committed to providing them with that as well as ensuring our people are safe and secure at work.”

Eric Born and HNA Group have agreed to extend Born’s contract as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Swissport International until 31 December 2019.

He has been serving as president and CEO of the ground handling and air cargo service provider since August 2015.

HNA Group CEO, Adam Tan says: “Given Eric’s outstanding leadership, his understanding of the airport ground services and air cargo handling industry, and his clear vision for Swissport’s future, the Company will be best served by his continued leadership as HNA evaluates the strategic options for its Swiss subsidiary.”

Born had been due to leave the Swiss handling agent at the end of December 2018.

One more 777F for AeroLogic

AeroLogic will receive a brand new Boeing 777 Freighter in January, which Lufthansa Cargo will lease from Boeing for this purpose.

The aircraft is expected to receive the registration D-AALK and will fly from Seattle to Leipzig, Germany in January 2019.

The fleet of AeroLogic, a joint venture between Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express, will grow to 11 aircraft and Lufthansa Cargo will market all of the new aircraft’s capacity.

Lufthansa Cargo chief executive officer and chairman of the executive board, Peter Gerber says: “We are delighted to be in a position

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Born

to add a brand-new freighter at AeroLogic as well next year. Together with the two new aircraft for the Lufthansa Cargo fleet, this important investment also underscores our long association with our Frankfurt and Leipzig Airport bases.”

AeroLogic managing director, Wolfgang Raebiger says: “With 11 Boeing 777F in the future, we will operate one of the world’s most modern and efficient freighter fleets.

This will strengthen our position as an attractive employer at the heart of Germany and ensure flexible additional capacity for our partners.”

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miami

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Pests not welcome

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S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists in Florida discovered 352 pests and 4,638 materials for quarantine on a typical day in 2017.

The specialists have intercepted dozens of potentially destructive pests this year at various ports of entry in Florida, which pose a significant risk in agriculture due to a lack of knowledge. US Department of Agriculture entomologists have classified eight pests discovered

by CBP agriculture specialists in Florida as first in the nation interceptions and another pest as a new species.

They often intercept fruit and vegetable imports that may contain hidden threats, particularly pests and diseases, which can have devastating effects on both consumer safety and the economy. CBP specialists often intercept insects through Miami International Airport, Port Everglades, Miami’s seaport and the Port of Jacksonville.

Miami/Tampa field office director of field operations, Diane Sabatino says: “A single pest can potentially cause millions of dollars worth of damage and CBP agriculture specialists in Florida are truly the first line of defence. CBP’s agriculture specialists across the Sunshine State play a critical role in safeguarding the US agriculture industry and the nation’s economy.”

According to the US Department of Agriculture, agriculture is the largest industry and employment sector in the US, with more than $1 trillion in annual economic activity. Invasive

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species cause $138 billion annually in economic and environmental losses in the US, including yield and quality losses for America’s agriculture industry.

CBP’s Miami/Tampa field office is tasked with protecting agriculture while permitting high risk agriculture commodities to flow through major ports. The CBP’s national centres of excellence and expertise for agriculture and prepared products is based in Miami.

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The trillion dollar state

Florida’s economy passed an important milestone on 13 July when its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) broke the $1 trillion barrier.

The figures were released by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and if the state were an independent country, its GDP would be the 17th largest in the world, ahead of countries including Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Argentina. Florida’s GDP is now $2.74 billion a day.

Florida Chamber Foundation chief economist, Dr Jerry Parrish predicted the state’s GDP would hit $1 trillion by the end of 2018.

Parrish says: “Becoming a $1 trillion economy means Florida is continuing to grow and create jobs, keeping unemployment lower than the national average, and creating economic opportunity. Thanks to the focus of Florida’s

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business community and strong leadership from the governor, cabinet and legislature, Florida continues to move in the right direction.”

Governor Rick Scott says: “This is an historic moment for Florida reaching a record $1 trillion in GDP. By working every day to create private-sector jobs, we’ve been able to increase Florida’s GDP by more than $270 billion – 37 per cent – since 2010. When I came into office I made it very clear that we would get our economy back on track.

“Within seven and a half years, private-sector businesses have created more than 1.5 million jobs and Florida’s unemployment is at a low 3.8 per cent. Florida’s growing economy is producing real results for families across our state and we now have the 17th largest economy in the world.”

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aircargoweek.com 11_03 Sept 2018.indd 1

ACW 3 september 2018

11 29/08/2018 14:40

he pretends to know what he’s talking about

Airfreight - as seen on TV

A

fter a hard day’s work on the cargo apron, me and my sister Airway Billie like nothing than settling down to enjoy the latest production from Quest, the digital commercial broadcaster.

A recent fav show has been Mega Shippers about the hidden army of workers keeping the world’s maritime cargo moving 365 days a year.

We’ve never missed an episode.

Now I hear the good folk at Back2Back Productions, a UK-based production company, are thrilled to be venturing in to the fascinating world of air cargo. I was so happy to learn they will call it Mega Air.

I just know this series is going to showcase the incredible work of the people behind the scenes who make things happen.

So when I learned that the producers of the show would like to speak to anyone who is involved in the industry, I naturally thought of all my colleagues.

It seems they are looking for stories, from live animals to supercars to huge engine parts or time sensitive cargo, this series wants to explore them all. If you specialise in moving cargo by air or even If you are planning on shipping your own possessions by air then they would also love to talk to you.

Filming will start towards the end of September and should last for a couple of months. It seems you might be able to see yourself on telly in Spring 2019.

It got me thinking. What else can a professional airfreight person like myself appear in?

Cargo Island? I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of the Cargo Terminal? Cargo’s Got Talent? Strictly Come Cargo? The Freight British Bake-Off? You can contact carron.munro@back2back.tv or call 01273 499812 if you want to get involved.

I know I will.

Alright, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up Airway Billie hopes for small screen stardom With the demand for airfreight growing rapidly and no programmes dedicated to this vibrant industry, Back2Back have stepped in to make this exciting series for UKTV. I am fully behind this as airfreight is the fastest and most efficient way to get valuable cargo to just about any location across the world. This express mode of transport has made its mark on the freight industry and sealed its reputation as the gold standard of transport.

This series will be a character-rich mix of wonderful stories, huge and unusual cargo the stresses and successes all coming together to make this series Mega Air. Eight one-hour episodes will be produced.

Airway Bill’s first appearance on Mega Air

So, you want to be a cargo pilot?

CARGOLUX’S latest roadshow in the search for highly-sought after flight deck crew will arrive in Brussels later this month. The airline has chosen the Belgian capital as the location for a second event “with great pleasure.” This is because “situated in the heart of Europe and the Benelux, Brussels offers us an international platform close to home,” notes the all-cargo carrier.

As a neighbouring country to Luxembourg where it is based, the carrier “feels a strong connection to Belgium” and currently employs 64 Belgian pilots, approximately 12 per cent of total flight crewmembers.

Candidates at the event on 20 September who make the grade will fly state-of-the-art Boeing B747-8Fs and -400Fs and enjoy competitive packages and in-house training on both aircraft in full flight simulators.

Since organising the first job roadshow a year ago, the airline has successfully hosted recruitment roadshows in several European cities, inclusing Milan, Rome, London, Brussels, Berlin, Cologne and Amsterdam.

The carrier says: “We feel that by doing this we can introduce our company to potential candidates and answer their questions in an

informal setting. It’s a competitive market today for pilots and it is important for us to meet potential candidates and discuss mutual expectations and requirements openly.

“This enables candidates to get insight into the operation and decide whether Cargolux would suit their ambitions without going through traditional interview and recruitment channels.”

Over the course of this year, Cargolux are planning to recruit 72 First Officers and upgrade 26 of its current First Officers to Captain. Recruitment efforts are set to continue in 2019 although exact numbers have not yet been determined.

The carrier is “very pleased” to have seen an increase in applications from women over the last few years and so far this year it has hired quite a few.

“We expect that interest will continue to grow and hope to see as many as possible at our future recruitment events. Male and female pilots alike,” says the carrier.

Salaries start at EUR 50,000.

The event is at the BN Hotel, Brussels Airport. Registration is required at Cargolux.. com.

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30/08/2018 14:41